Posted on Porch.com

This article originally appeared on Porch.com

Written by Anne Reagan

August is a great month to enjoy the last part of summer. Days are hot, flowers are in bloom, and many people choose August as the perfect month to leave on one last summer holiday before the busy fall begins. If you enjoy working in the garden, you’ll find that August is a great time of year to harvest fruits and vegetables, trim back foliage and tend the soil. Watering may be occupying much of your time. You’ll want to read our tips about water conservation and ways to save water in the yard. If you have a swimming pool in your yard, or live near a body of water, be sure all of your guests know swimming safety basics. Sadly, children have a high rate of drowning or injuries related to swimming, and many of these incidents can be preventable. Read our swimming safety tips here.

Inside the home you might find it to be a good time to get organized before the fall. Cleaning out closets, donating unused items, and really cleaning under the bed can be a great way to get a handle on clutter. You might also want to make a “honey do” list of all the things around the home you haven’t had time to do. Hanging pictures, fixing a dripping faucet (watch our how-to video here), purchasing new water filters for the refrigerator….the list can sometime feel long. Take the time to find professionals in your area that can help you get these tasks done before the weather turns and days feel shorter. This is also a great time of year to book your winter-related professionals now like chimney sweeps, attic insulation specialists and tree trimmers. Put them on the calendar now and you’ll start the fall season feeling organized.

Here are some other tasks you can do this month:

Exterior

• Check roof and replace loose/missing/damaged shingles
• Replace any missing mortar (if your home is made of brick)
• Seal chimney to prevent small animals from entering
• Check AC refrigerant levels. If levels are low it could indicate a leak.
• Repair cracks in your driveway/sidewalk
• Locate & block any animal-accessible attic vents
• Clean any mold/mildew growing on siding

Interior

• Check/replace air conditioning filters
• Check and replace humidifier filters
• Turn the lead edge of fan blades downwards to push cooled air down
• Clear out hair/other debris from sink & tub drains
• Vacuum coils behind refrigerator

Landscaping

• Continue to mow frequently and high to discourage weeds
• Keep up with watering (in the morning is best)
• Inspect your irrigation system for damaged sprinkler heads
• Turn the compost pile and add water if necessary
• Repair fences or gates
• Trim trees in preparation for winter storms

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